Philippines, 07 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


SAULONG TARGETS UPSET IN IBF WORLD TITLE BOUT


PhilBoxing.com




Under the radar contender Ernesto Saulong will try to beat the odds when he fights IBF world junior featherweight world champ Ryosuke Iwasa of Japan on March 1 in Tokyo.

The 28 year old Saulong (21W-2L-1D,8KO?s) is ranked number 13 in the January 2018 ratings of the International Boxing Federation. He has benefited from being one of the sparring partners of IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas last January. Ancajas, who is a southpaw like Iwasa, was preparing for his February title defense against Mexican Israel Gonzalez in his secluded training camp in Magallanes, Cavite.

Joven Jimenez, who trains Ancajas, is also with Saulong for this crucial fight. ?Maganda ang kondisyon, handing handa na.? Jimenez told this writer in a phone conversation. (He is in good condition and is ready.)

?Kumakain pa nga, walang problema sa timbang pag weigh-in.? Jimenez added. (He is even eating well. There will be no problems during the weigh-in.)

Iwasa (24W-2L,16KO?s), also 28 years old, will be making the first defense of the title he won by sixth round TKO against countryman Yukinori Oguni.

Iwasa has a long list of Filipino boxers that he has beaten ? Marvin Tampus, Jerope Mercado, Mark John Yap, Jecker Buhawe, Richard Pumicpic, Ricardo Roa, Marlon Arcilla, Dennis Tubieron and Glen Medura.

Three years ago, Saulong beat fellow Filipino Alie Laurel for the WBC International bantamweight title by unanimous decision in a fight held in Kunming, China.

In his next overseas stint, Saulong would lose to Lwandile Sityatha by unanimous verdict for the WBO International belt in South Africa.

Saulong will be looking to join the list of Filipino boxers who captured world titles on Japanese soil ? Bernabe Villacampo, Erbito Salavarria, Morris East, Gerry Pe?alosa, Luisito Espinosa, Joma Gamboa and Milan Melindo.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • World Ranked Heavyweight Dainier Pero Headlines on Saturday, January 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
    , Wed, 07 Jan 2026
  • Jahyae Brown to Battle Arnold Gonzalez in Exciting Co-Feature on Thursday, January 15th at The War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey
    , Wed, 07 Jan 2026
  • Hendri Cedeno Seeks Monumental Victory Against Alfredo Santiago for NABO Title January 10 at Barclays Center
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Kingsley Ibeh learned from his Loss 5 years ago to Jared Anderson
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Unified World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez returning to Corpus Christi…as a promoter!
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Ocum to fight Ballesteros on January 26
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • SEA Plus Youth Games - Tolentino
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival Featuring Manny Pacquiao International Open to Push Through
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • Deniega to fight Oka in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Illness forces Paddy Donovan to withdraw from IBF Welterweight World Eliminator January 16 versus Liam Paro in Australia
    , Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
    , Thu, 01 Jan 2026
  • Lover Boy on hot streak
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY DELIVERS A LOADED UNDERCARD OF STAR PROSPECTS FOR ROCHA VS. CURIEL II
    , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Arca wins silver in Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2025
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Donaire awaits WBA order
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Sampson Boxing Signs Red Hot Middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr to Exclusive Promotional Contract
    , Tue, 30 Dec 2025
  • Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
    , Mon, 29 Dec 2025
  • Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 29 Dec 2025
  • Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 28 Dec 2025
  • Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
    , Sun, 28 Dec 2025
  • KEYSHAWN DAVIS RETURNS ON THE RING 6 UNDERCARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
    , Sun, 28 Dec 2025
  • IM Datu captures 4th IIEE Chess SIKAT, Jeremy Marticio repeat champ for 5th mini-tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 27 Dec 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.